White Paintbrush

Haemanthus albiflos

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This is a fascinating species as it has large handsome, thick​ leaves with an unusual flower in the shape of a large paintbrush and red berries as fruit. This species is an endemic species to Southern Africa with its long flowering season makes this species a must have in any temperate garden. As it is easy to grow and does not mind neglect this plant is perfect for any amateur gardener to plant.

Planning

Difficulty

Easy

Flowering time

Autumn, Winter

Fruiting time

Spring, Winter

Harvesting

A good indicator to harvest your Haemanthus seeds is​ when they are red, soft and ripe.

Propagation

Seed

Sow seeds when they are bright red and soft, into a sandy mixture at a depth of 1 mm into the soil leaving it partially exposed. Space them 20 cm apart. Be patient as it takes a long time for germination to take place.

Division

Divide the large clumps every 5 to 6 years, collect and plant the offsets with their necks above the soil line, and space them 20 cm apart.

Special features

Attracts useful insects

This species attracts beneficial pollinators such as bees, butterflies and moths.

Attracts birds

Nectar drinking sunbirds.

Indoor plant

A very successful indoor plant where it is too tender to be grown outdoors, and thrives on "healthy neglect". It prefers not to be in full sun, and is tolerant of under-watering.

Pot plant

Great potted plant for outdoors in dappled light and indoor plant with bright indirect light. Pots need not be deep as the roots spread out horizontally.